Natural cleaning, safe indoor plants, calming spaces and minimal chemicals.
Creating a Safer, Calmer Space for Your Dogs & Cats
We all want our homes to be a sanctuary for us and our animals. But many everyday products and design choices can unknowingly impact our pets’ wellbeing. The good news? A few simple swaps can make a big difference to their health, comfort, and happiness.
Here’s how to make your home more pet-friendly, naturally.
1. Choose Natural Cleaning Products
Many mainstream cleaning sprays, floor products and disinfectants contain ingredients that are harmful (or even toxic) to pets, especially if they walk on freshly cleaned floors and groom themselves later.
Look for natural, low-tox alternatives or make your own with ingredients like vinegar, castile soap, and other natural ingredients. Some essential oils may be used in small amounts and diluted for dogs but should be avoided for cats. Always check they are safe for pets before using as some essential oils should be avoided for dogs also.
Look for natural, low-tox alternatives like Koala Eco and Pleasant State, or make your own with ingredients like vinegar, castile soap, and 100% natural essential oils (avoid synthetic oils which are often marketed as “essential oils”). Brands such as Young Living and Doterra are quality oils.
Homemade Natural Cleaning Recipe:
For a simple and effective all-purpose cleaner, you can make your own using common household ingredients:
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10–15 drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender, tea tree, or lemon)
Instructions:
- Combine the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Add the essential oil.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray onto surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth.
Note: Avoid using clove oil, as it can be harmful to pets.
Try:
- Natural laundry liquids (especially if they sleep on your bed!)
- Bicarb soda for carpets and odours
- Pet-safe disinfectant sprays like Colloidal Silver which can be used undiluted in a spray bottle and is fragrance free and non-toxic. Koala Eco and Pleasant State are pet safe.
Tip: Always check that essential oils used in your home are pet safe, especially for cats who are much more sensitive
2. Add Pet-Safe Indoor Plants
Plants bring calm, filter air, and brighten up indoor spaces but some popular varieties are highly toxic to animals.
Avoid:
- Lilies
- Monstera (Swiss cheese plant)
- Peace lilies
- Pothos / Devil’s Ivy
Pet safe alternatives:
- Spider plants
- Areca palm
- Calathea
- Boston fern
Place plants in spots where curious paws can’t dig them up or use hanging planters if you have a cheeky climber at home!
3. Create Calm, Comforting Spaces
Animals thrive on routine and feel safest in calm, secure environments.
To support emotional wellbeing:
- Offer quiet, low-traffic spaces for rest
- Use natural bedding materials (like cotton, wool or hemp)
- Keep music low and lighting soft in the evenings
- Use flower essences or calming sprays (like Greenpet’s AromaCalm for dogs)
Animals are highly sensitive to energy a peaceful home really does affect their stress levels, digestion and behaviour.
4. Ditch Artificial Fragrances & Chemicals
Room sprays, candles, plug-ins and perfumes may smell lovely to us, but they can overwhelm your pet’s senses and irritate their respiratory system, and many are highly toxic to pets!
Opt for:
- Essential oil diffusers (with pet-safe oils)
- Beeswax candles with natural scents
- Ventilation and houseplants to freshen air instead of sprays
Small Changes, Big Impact
Creating a pet-friendly home doesn’t mean giving up your style or comfort it just means being mindful of what surrounds your animals every day.
You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Start with one area, your laundry powder, your floor cleaner, or your living room plants. Every small step helps support a healthier, happier life for your pets and you.
